On the use of multi-objective optimization for multi-site calibration of
extensive green roofs
Abstract
Conceptual hydrological models are practical tools for estimating the
performance of green roofs, with respect to stormwater management. Such
models require calibration to obtain parameter values, which limits
their use in cases when measured data are not available. One approach
that has been thought to be useful is to transfer parameters from a
gauged roof calibrated locally (i.e., single-site calibration) to a
similar ungauged roof located in a different location. This study tested
this approach by transferring calibrated parameters of a conceptual
hydrological model between sixteen extensive green roofs located in four
Norwegian cities with different climatic conditions. The approach was
compared with a multi-site calibration scheme that explores trade-offs
of model performances between the different sites. The results showed
that single site calibration could yield optimal parameters for one site
and perform poorly in other sites. In contrast, obtaining a common
parameter set that yields satisfactory results (Kling Gupta Efficiency
>0.5) for different sites, and roof properties could be
achieved by multi-site calibration. The practical implications of
multi-site calibration have been discussed in the context of stormwater
management. The multi-site calibration scheme is recommended not only
for transferability amongst roofs in different sites but also when
applying conceptual models for evaluating climate change scenarios in
which the climatic variables are significantly different from the ones
used for calibration.